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A health officer checks cattle in a farm as a preventive measure against foot and mouth at a farm in Indonesia.
Free State Agriculture says it’s irresponsible for farmers to intentionally not declare or report suspected Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) cases. But the farmers’ organisation has admitted that early reporting might be challenging for feed lots or large-scale farmers.
Watch 🎥 | Minister John Steenhuisen oversees the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive in the Western Cape, aimed at containing the #FMD outbreak and strengthening biosecurity to protect livestock and farmers.#StopFMD #ProtectingOurHerd #GovZAUpdates @GCISMedia… pic.twitter.com/IzriRsFULQ
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) February 15, 2026
The Free State government says the lack of reporting undermines effective planning for the vaccination campaign, increasing the risk of further transmission.
To date, the province has reported 344 confirmed cases. Affected farms and those within a 10 km radius have been placed under quarantine with movement restrictions.
Farmers’ organisations and Free State Agriculture say early reporting is but one part of the fight against the FMD outbreaks.
Free State Agriculture manager, Jack Armour, says fast-tracking of vaccination is equally important to curb the spread. Armour says they welcome the declaration of FMD as a national crisis.
He says farmers are eagerly waiting other mechanism that will be unlocked by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration.
Farmers in the Motheo Commonage say they were recently hit hard by the Lumpy skin disease. A farmer, Tello Lekoala, says they need assistance to curb FMD as they will not survive another outbreak.
“We will be so delighted if we can have that vaccination on time before it strikes us because we have already heard that there is a suspected case in Bloemfontein. So, we’re making a very humble request to the government. Maybe they can come forth and bring, they can come and vaccinate our animals before they strand you,” says Lekoala.
African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) says although some areas do not have confirmed FMD cases, the selling of animals is now restricted.
A farmer from AFASA, Dintoe Taunyane, says some auctions have been closed — while others require a Veterinary Certificate to sell.
Farmers also say the roll-out of vaccines will save the sector millions of rands.
VIDEO | Agricultural Research Council on Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Production
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqchUQXc1qA
